n'Q 



DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

STATE OF ALABAMA 



REPORT OF SPECIAL DRIVE 

AGAINST ILLITERACY AMONG 

MEN OF DRAFT AGE 



1918 



■ ROWN PRINTINQ CO. MONTQOHEKY. 



!^ltt.U^mn . Tllity-rn,C 



DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

STATE OF ALABAMA 



REPORT OF SPECIAL DRIVE 

AGAINST ILLITERACY AMONG 

MEN OF DRAFT AGE 



1918 



IROWN PRINTINQ CO. MONTGOMtllY. 






ALABAMA ILLITERACY COMMISSION 



Ex-Governor Wm, D. Jelks, Chairman Birmingham 

Hon. J. B. Ellis _ Selma 

Mrs. Mary Moore McCoy Birmingham 

Mrs. W. K. Linscott _ Mobile 

Supt. Spright Dowell _ Montgomery 

Miss Sarah Luther, Field Agent Montgomery 



6161 8 MVW 

•d JO "o 




A CAMP SHERIDAN SCHOOL 



UNIT OF THE DEVELOPMENT BATTALION AND THEIR TEACHERS. THESE ILLITERATE MEN ARE FROM INDIANA, ILLINOIS, KENTUCKY, AND NORTH CAROLINA. IN ADDITION TO THESE 3011 MEN, THERE WKliE FOUR OTHEU SCHOOLS EQUALLY LARCE. 



FOREWORD 



The purpose of this pamphlet is to acquaint the general 
public with a striking piece of work for the removal of 
illiteracy among men of draft age in Alabama that was 
undertaken in a special drive in the summer of 1918. 

The plan was evolved from an undertaking of the Illit- 
eracy Commission in the spring and was jointly formu- 
lated by the Illiteracy Commission and the Advisory War 
Council of the A. E. A. The execution of the plan was 
made possible by the combined work of the two agencies 
already mentioned, the State Council of Defense, the Fed- 
eration of Women's Clubs, and a number of public spirited 
men and women in all sections of the State. 

The immediate oversight of the work was entrusted to 
a special committee, consisting of the following: 

Hon. Wm. D. Jelks, Dr. C. W. Daugette, Supt. A. F. 
Harman, Secretary, and the undersigned. 

It is believed that the plan herein outlined, and the re- 
sults which came from it, constitute one of the most 
unique and praiseworthy, as well as successful efforts 
ever made for the removal of adult illiteracy. 




Secretary-Treasurer. 



THE SPECIAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLITERACY 
AMONG DRAFT REGISTRANTS 

1918 



T" HE astounding facts brought to light by a study of 
the registration cards of the 1917 selectmen con- 
vinced the Alabama Illiteracy Commission that 
conditions demanded a more intensive campaign 
than the size of the State and the usual routine activities 
of the Field Agent made possible. Military records indi- 
cated that of the 10,000,000 men in the first registration 
there were approximately 700,000 who were totally illit- 
erate. In Alabama there were approximately 10,000 in a 
registration of 172,727. These men found themselves 
called to perform the highest service that may come to a 
citizen, — to defend their rights and the rights of the 
world'; yet they faced this duty seriously handicapped by 
their illiteracy. 

Never was the need of educated men so apparent as in 
this time of rapid mobilization of all resources, of inten- 
sive study of specialized trades, of hasty teaching of the 
fundamentals of sanitation and hygiene in camp and 
community life, of high-speed mastery of unfamiliar 
methods, movements and habits — the technique of mili- 
tary life. Yet these thousands of Alabama's young men 
were going into camp crippled for the race with their fel- 
lows ; blind to the sign posts set up in military orders, bul- 
letins, text-books, and other publications. 

The mere fact that the printed page had no meaning 
for them placed their lives and the lives of others in jeop- 
ardy from the moment of their arrival in camp; for the 
printed instructions, the sanitary regulations, the danger 
signals of the crowded camp meant little or nothing to the 
illiterate. Moreover, the ilHterate was usually a danger- 
ous man in camp because of his low spirits, his poor 
morale. Cut off from any effective communication with 
home and friends, understanding little of the great events 
of the day and less of the purposes of the great nations at 
war, and with slight chance of promotion in the military 
profession, he was not likely to be a cheerful soldier. 



Some men with no education have of course made good 
records as soldiers, but they did so despite the serious 
handicap. 

The lUiteracy Commission, realizing these facts, en- 
tered upon the work of the year 1918 fully convinced that 
a serious effort should be made to bring help to these men. 

THE EMERGENCY WAR CALL 

During February a special emergency war call was 
conceived and sent out by State Superintendent Dowell, 
Secretary of the Illiteracy Commission. In each county 
of the State a central committee with authority to make 
the county plan and choose local workers was appointed 
with the following representative citizens as members: 
The Judge of Probate, the County Superintendent of 
Education, the Superintendent of City Schools of the 
County Site, a member of the Federation of Women's 
Clubs, the President of the County Medical Association, 
the President of the County School Improvement Associa- 
tion, and the County High School Principal. The plan 
suggested to each county central committee provided for 
certain sub-committees which were to perform such du- 
ties as giving publicity to the campaign, obtaining an 
accurate list of the illiterate registrants, providing teach- 
ers, etc. The work was to be done during the months of 
March and April. 

Some counties caught the spirit of the attempt and did 
effective work, among them, Jefferson, Madison, Conecuh, 
Barbour and Covington. (A statement of results in these 
counties appears later.) It is a fact, however, that very 
few people realized the need or the opportunity and most 
of the counties did very little. The Field Agent of the 
Ilhteracy Commission, Miss Esther Foster, in order to 
give the plan a complete try-out, concentrated her efforts 
in Covington County with splendid results. 

THE SUMMER CAMPAIGN 

It soon became apparent that if a considerable amount 
of good was to result, the county leaders must be given a 
clearer understanding of the campaign, and a greater 



enthusiasm for the work; that this could not be accom- 
plished through written communications; and that per- 
sonal contact must be secured by the employment of ad- 
ditional field agents. Mr. H. G. Bowling, who had con- 
ducted a summer campaign for the removal of illiteracy 
in Shelby County, and who had taught illiterate soldiers 
while in camp, was employed by the Illiteracy Commis- 
sion. Under the direction of the Illiteracy Commission 
and with the co-operation of the Advisory War Council of 
the Alabama Educational Association, Mr. Bowling made 
an attempt to discover and to develop public sentiment 
with reference to the teaching of illiterate selectmen by 
presenting the matter to various Rotary Clubs, Chambers 
of Commerce, and other business and social organizations 
throughout the State. The response of these business 
men was most gratifying, and without exception they 
pledged their active support. 

Since the work of the Illiteracy Commission depends 
for financial support entirely upon popular subscription, 
and since the treasury was practically empty, it became 
necessary to find some way to secure the funds necessary 
for putting into the field a sufficient number of organizers 
to get the campaign under way promptly. Realizing that 
this work was a distinct war measure, a joint committee 
of the Advisory War Council and of the Alabama Illiter- 
acy Commission made application to the State Council of 
Befense for financial aid. Chairman Lloyd M. Hooper of 
the Council of Befense was found to be in hearty sympa- 
thy with the anti-illiteracy effort as a war measure ; and 
an appropriation sufficient to cover the traveling ex- 
penses of ten regional organizers was guaranteed. 

A joint committee consisting of Hon. Wm. B. Jelks, 
Superintendent Spright Bowell, Br. C. W. Baugette, and 
Superintendent A. F. Harman, representing both the Ala- 
bama Illiteracy Commission and the State Council of 
Befense was agreed upon ; and Superintendent A. F. Har- 
man, who had volunteered his services to the State Coun- 
cil of Befense for patriotic work for the summer, was 
appointed executive secretary, directing the campaign 
from the office of the Council of Befense in Montgomery. 

The next problem was that of selecting the regional or- 



ganizers who were to initiate the campaign in various dis- 
tricts throughout the State. It was evident to the com- 
mittee that little could be accomplished unless persons 
could be secured who understood educational matters 
and who had sufficient standing and ability to command 
the respect of the county committees, the personnel of 
which has already been sent out. With this in view, an 
appeal was made by the Advisory War Council of the 
Alabama Educational Association to some of the leading 
school men of the State and the following regional organ- 
izers were appointed: 

Dr. T. W. Palmer, Alabama Girls Technical Institute. 
Dr. H. J. Willingham, Florence Normal School. 
Dr. C. W. Daugette, Jacksonville Normal School. 
Dr. E. M. Shackelford, Troy Normal School. 
Dr. G. W. Brock, Livingston Normal School. 
Prof. Raleigh Greene, Moundville Normal School. 
Supt. W. R. Harrison, Montgomery City Schools. 
Supt. S. 0. White, Opelika City Schools. 
Supt. S. R. Butler, Huntsville. 
Mrs. W. K. Linscott, Mobile. 

On account of pressing duties. Dr. Palmer and Dr. Wil- 
lingham were unable to take an active part in the work ; 
and they were represented by Prof. C. R. Calkins, and 
Prof. J. T. McKee, respectively. A territory comprising 
from five to nine counties was assigned to each organizer, 
who in turn was to make numerous trips to the counties 
in his territory for the purpose of explaining, organizing, 
encouraging and following up the work. These workers, 
as well as the executive secretary, Superintendent A. F. 
Harman, who deserves honorable mention, served without 
pay. The thanks of the State are due them for services 
rendered. 

CONTRIBUTION OF THE WOMEN'S CLUBS 

In order to defray the salaries and expenses of the field 
agents, Miss Foster and Mr. Dowling, to employ two addi- 
tional agents, to pay for the printing anad distribution of 
a suitable textbook for use in the campaign, and to meet 



9 

other financial needs, funds had to be provided. The 
Advisory War Council of the Alabama Educational Asso- 
ciation through its chairman, Superintendent Dowell, 
appealed to the State Federation of Women's Clubs. The 
president, Mrs. James R. Hagan, of Mobile, promptly 
responded with the assurance that the amount of $3,500 
requested would be raised within thirty days. Through 
the courtesy of Mrs. Hagan, and with the assistance of 
Mrs. Zebulon Judd, Chairman of the Education Commit- 
tee of the Federation, the field agents were permitted to 
present the claims of the work at several district meet- 
ings. The response was uniformly enthusiastic and the 
Executive Board very promptly acted favorably upon the 
recommendation of their president, Mrs. Hagan. The 
Education Committee — Mrs. Zebulon Judd, Auburn ; Mrs. 
B, Crawford, Decatur; Mrs. E. L. Huey, Bessemer; Mrs. 
J. B. McKibbon, Birmingham; Mrs. P. V. Bomar, Marion; 
Mrs. Harry Chandler, Clanton; Mrs. S. 0. Williams, Do- 
than ; and Mrs. G. W. L. Smith, Brewton, — were very act- 
ive and helpful in planning the campaign. The following 
District Chairmen were selected to carry out the will of 
the Federation: 

Mrs. L. A. Neill, Albany. 

Mrs. Jack Cranford, Jasper. 

Mrs. N. A. Barrett, Birmingham. 

Mrs. Carroll Long, Eufaula. 

Mrs. J. H. Crenshaw, Montgomery. 

Mrs. M. 0. Carroll, Ozark. 

Mrs. J. B. Harvey, Mobile. 

Governor Henderson was formally requested by the 
Federation officially to designate an Illiteracy Day. Ac- 
cordingly June 22d was named, and the following procla- 
mation issued : 

A PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR 

To the People of Alahama : 

Several years ago an Illiteracy Commission was created 
for the purpose of removing illiteracy from among the 
adult population of the State. This commission has done 



10 

splendid work, but there yet remains quite a large num- 
ber who are unable to read or write. Many of these who 
are within the draft age have been accepted for service 
but have not yet been called. Special efforts should be 
made to give them elementary training before they are 
called into service. It would relieve them of a great handi- 
cap. Defects in our civic organization affecting the effi- 
ciency of the military branch creates a war emergency 
and for this reason the State Council of Defense has 
appropriated funds and has agreed in co-operation with 
the Alabama Ilhteracy Commission to undertake the 
direction of the intensive training work necessary to re- 
move the disabilities of those accepted for service. 

It will require funds, however, additional to those ap- 
propriated by the State Council of Defense. The Illitera- 
cy Commission has agreed to supply these and has called 
to its aid the Federation of Women's Clubs which has 
kindly consented to undertake a campaign for this pur- 
pose. The amount needed, I am informed, is only $3,500. 

With this end in view, the representatives of the Feder- 
ation of Women's Clubs have requested that some special 
day be designated on which a general effort will be put 
forth throughout the State. I, therefore, in response to 
this request, name June 22d as Illiteracy Day and ask that 
the response to the solicitors for the above purpose on 
that day be both general and generous. Think of the 
increased efficiency of the individual soldier, to say noth- 
ing of the comforting feeling of being able to read letters 
from home and the joy of the family over receiving let- 
ters from their soldier son and brother. It is a very wor- 
thy cause and I trust will meet with a liberal response. 

In Witness Whereof, I, Charles Henderson, have here- 
unto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State 
of Alabama to be affixed at the Capitol, in the city of 
Montgomery, on this tenth day of June, nineteen hundred 
and eightheen. 

Charles Henderson, 
Governor. 
By the Governor : 
John Ptjrifoy^ 

Secretary of ^tate. 



11 

The public responded freely to the appeal, and already 
$5,000 has been turned over to the Illiteracy Commission. 
With this money two editions of a textbook especially 
suited to the task in hand have been issued and delivered 
free to the illiterate men, one regular field agent has been 
kept at work, three special agents have been employed for 
the drive, and a number of teachers have been sent to aid 
where most needed. A balance remains in the treasury 
sufficient to continue the activities of the Commission for 
some months. 

In addition to the financial assistance, the Women's 
Clubs rendered conspicuous service in the county cam- 
paigns. Thanks should be rendered to the Federation, to 
the efficient Chairman of the Education Committee, Mrs. 
Zebulon Judd, and to the President, Mrs. J. R. Hagan, 
who was untiring in her efforts. 

CHANGES IN THE PLAN OF CAMPAIGN 

Immediately after its decision to render financial aid in 
the campaign, the State Council of Defense brought the 
weight of its influence to bear in support of the illiteracy 
work, through publicity in the newspapers and in the De- 
fense Record, through personal appeals to leaders in the 
various counties, and through the activities of the county 
Councils of Defense. In this way access was had to the 
registration blanks of draftmen in possession of the local 
boards and in many counties "Schools of Instruction" for 
draftmen were called for the primary purpose of arrang- 
ing for the teaching of the illiterates. In this connection 
it should be said that Adjutant General Hubbard gave 
most valuable moral support. 

The plan of the county organization was enlarged by 
adding to the Central Committee the County Chairman 
of the Council of Defense, and, through the courtesy of 
the Department of Agriculture at Auburn, the County 
Farm and Home Demonstration Agents also served. The 
chief duty of this committee as before, was the designa- 
tion of a County Manager and the organization for prac- 
tical work in such a way as to insure success. The 
Regional Organizer of each group of counties was left 



12 

largely in control of the work in his territory, while the 
Field Agents responded wherever they were called, Miss 
Foster and Mr. Bowling having been reinforced by the 
employment of Miss Sarah E. Luther, Principal of the 
Conecuh County High School, and Miss Hassie Gray, of 
the Birmingham City Schools. 




A man seventy-three years old who, after attending an adult 
school for four weeks and making rapid progress, was heard to say, 
"I didn't know old folks could be larnt so fast." 



RESULTS 

Below are given some statistics showing the results in 
a majority of the counties of the State. In quite a few 
counties where the field agents know that work was done, 
satisfactory reports could not be had. This was due in 
some cases to a feeling that the facts, if made known, 
would reflect upon the good name of the county, in others 
to the unwillingness of those who were taught, to have 
the facts become known, and in still others to the fact 
that the County Committee was inactive, and took no 



13 

interest in collecting the data of such work as was done. 
Wherever there has been an aversion to making a report 
no effort has been made to get it. The statistics below do 
not show the number of illiterate men below twenty-one 
and above thirty-one who took advantage of the opportu- 
nities offered and learned to read and write; nor does it 
take into account the more than two thousand men who 
could read and write that seized the opportunity to get a 
little more training. 




"A little child shall lead them." 
A ten-year old boy teaching: his gi-andmother. 
He also taught his father to read. 

Report on Illiteracy Work Among Draftmen (21-31) 
March 1, 1918, to October 1, 1918 





No. Illiterates 


No. 






Reported by 


Illiterates 


Percentage 


COUNTY. 


County Manager, 


Taught. 


Taught. 


Barbour 


104 


70 


67.3 


Bibb 




6 





14 



No. Illiterates 
Reported by 
COUNTY. County Manager. 

Bullock 34 

Butler 198 

Calhoun 315 

Chambers 175 

Cherokee 180 

Clarke 120 

Clay 119 

Cleburne 100 

Coffee 400 

Colbert 150 

Conecuh 82 

Coosa 47 

Covington 384 

Crenshaw 172 

Cullman 235 

Dale - 59 

DeKalb 200 

Etowah 400 

Fayette 170 

Franklin 78 

Geneva 100 

Hale 69 

Henry 473 

Houston 250 

Jackson ..„ 560 

Jefferson 225 

Lamar 60 

Lauderdale _ 200 

Lee 235 

Limestone 276 

Madison 252 

Marion 222 

Marshall 207 

Mobile _ 128 

Morgan 260 

Pickens „ 130 

Pike 105 

Randolph _ 66 



No. 




Illiterates 


Percentage 


Taught. 


Taught. 


10 


29.4 


90 


45.4 


75 


23.8 


102 


58 


140 


77.7 


18 


15 


106 


89 


30 


30 


69 


17.4 


100 


66.6 


. 72 


87.8 


15 


31.9 


106 


27.6 


135 


78.4 


192 


81.7 


47 


79.6 


26 


13 


153 


38 


12 


7. 


40 


51 


25 


25 


10 




431 


89 


150 


60 


160 


28.5 


108 


48 


30 


50 


133 


66.6 


100 


42.5 


18 


6.5 


115 


45.6 


17 


8 


103 


50 


89 


32 


160 


61.5 


14 


11 


78 


74.2 


29 


43.9 



No. 




Illiterates 


Percentage 


Taught. 


Taught. 


10 


26 


15 


8 


101 


95 


75 


36 


40 


13.3 


27 


51 


4 


13 



15 

No. Illiterates 
Reported by 
COUNTY. County Manager. 

Russell 38 

Shelby 187 

St. Clair 106 

Tuscaloosa 210 

Walker 300 

Washington 53 

Wilcox 31 

Total 8,135 3,636 45 

SUMMARY 

Total number illiterates 21 to 31 as reported 8,135 

Total number illiterates 21 to 31 reported as taught 3,636 

Percentage of those reported taught 45 

Number counties reporting teaching done 47 

Number counties reporting no white illiterates 5 

PLANS USED 

It is interesting to note that the plans suggested were 
easily adaptable to local conditions, and that whatever 
plan was used was successful when prosecuted by the 
right county manager. To the county managers and to 
the faithful teachers tribute is due for their patriotic 
service, which was in reality a labor of love. 

In Conecuh and Henry counties the individual plan was 
used with marked success. In Henry and Chambers 
counties every man who registered as illiterate, was 
interviewed personally, and detailed information concern- 
ing him was carefully tabulated and followed up. The 
work was done on the "one in the hill" plan, and when 
one instructor failed to get the illiterate man to work an- 
other was at once put on the trail. A regional organizer 
wrote, "If you have the blues over the work and want to 
get an inspiration, just pack your kit for Chambers 
County and get Barnett and McGehee to show you what 
they are doing. At one country school nine men were at 
work two hours every afternoon under the able direction 



16 



of Miss Annie Sargent. Three weeks ago those men could 
neither read nor write a word. I wish you could hear them 
now and see their work. No county in the State can sur- 
pass Chambers." 

Jefferson County had night classes with paid teachers, 
while Madison County had afternoon classes with volun- 
teer teachers. In Crenshaw County, schools were regu- 
larly organized in various school districts. It is worthy 



"^-=5:^251 




School taught by Miss Annie Sargent, Chambers County. All of 
these men were illiterate and all learned to read and write. 



of note that every man entering school learned to read 
and write. 

The report of the work in Covington County is typical. 
Letters were mailed to school trustees, ministers, and 
teachers, all of whom responded to the call for a general 
rally at the county seat, where the plan of campaign was 
worked out in detail. After the address of each illiterate 
draftman had been placed on a special card, it was turned 
over to a specially selected local representative who was 










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18 

to get in close personal touch with him. Simultaneously, 
meetings were held throughout the county to acquaint 
the people with the work and secure their co-operation. 
A hearty response was found everywhere, teachers were 
selected and the work begun. Among the agencies that 
were especially enthusiastic in their co-opsration were 
the County Board of Education, the Local Draft Board, 
churches and ministers. Women's Clubs, and many patri- 
otic individuals. The campaign reached its climax in a 




An illiterate registrant being taught by his wife. 

most unique educational gathering at the court house in 
Andalusia, at which were present more than one hundred 
fifty of the illiterate registrants. In addition to patriotic 
music and addresses, several of the men who had been 
studying showed specimens of their work and in a pa- 
thetic way expressed their gratitude to those who had 
made their progress possible. Letters from once unlet- 
tered men were exhibited and all present were touched. 
A most interesting incident was the story of Slaughter 



19 



Helms, a fourteen year old seventh grade school boy, who 
told of his work in teaching two of the men. He was en- 
thusiastically applauded. 

Little Minnie Belle Diamond also told of her happiness 
in teaching ''Big Brother" who, forced by necessity to 
forego education for himself, was seeing to it that his sis- 
ter was kept in school. Many other touching incidents 
were related during the progress of the meeting. The 
interest was intense throughout and all present were 



V'^ 






Slaughter Helms, a seventh grade school boy who taught two 
illiterates, and one of his pupils. 



deeply touched by the spectacle of this group of young 
men, physically fit but totally unletttered. In the face of 
such genuine interest it was not surprising that the un- 
lettered men present gladly agreed to be taught, and that 
the work went steadily forward with good results. 

As indicating the spirit of co-operation the following 
extracts from a letter of Hon. J. M. Robinson, Judge of 
Probate of Covington County, are given: 



20 



"Perhaps you felt, as I did at first, that the plan was 
not practical and that reaching these men was not possi- 
ble. * * However, I as chairman have endea- 
vored to do what I could. * * * Up ^q date, the re- 
sults have far exceeded our expectations and the cam- 
paign has in many ways been worth while. Something 
over 100 of our men are studying and we have received 
quite a number of letters from men who five weeks ago 
could not write their names. I believe that through this 




P 




tta^ 




A Covington County registered man and his teacher — his sister, 

Minnie Belle Diamond. She is happy in teaching 

"Big Brother." 



undertaking the people of the county are being impressed 
as never before with the importance of educating the boys 
and girls. * * * j believe this work is worthy the 
loyal co-operation and support of every judge of probate 
in the State. One trustee who was violently opposed to 
the idea at the beginning went to school a few times to 
criticise but joined the class and learned to write. He is 
now very enthusiastic about the work." 



21 



Other counties deserving honorable mention for very 
excellent work done are Cherokee, Crenshaw, St. Clair, 
Pike, Houston and Clay. A county manager in one of 
these counties writes, "The awakening in our county has 
been wonderful. A number of old people are going to 
school and their progress is surprising. Two public 
meetings have been held for the illiterate draftmen, the 
most wonderful meetings I ever attended anywhere. We 
have had twelve schools taught in different parts of the 




Six registered men in Covington County who had never been to 
school. All learned to read and w^rite. 



county and quite a number are being taught at home by 
members of the family." 

"It is a sight to stir men's minds and hearts to see a 
large number of these illiterate men together and to ob- 
serve their pathetic eagerness to acquire the tools of 
knowledge," observes a Regional Organizer. 

From a teacher's letter we read, 'T have been engaged 
for the past three weeks in the greatest work of my life. 



23 

and that is the glorious opportunity of teaching illiterate 
draftmen." 

CAMP ACTIVITIES 

A most unique and valuable experiment in wiping out 
illiteracy has been in progress at Camp Sheridan for 
several months. The Illiteracy Commission regards this 
school as the most constructive experiment ever under- 
taken in the United States in illiteracy work. As a type 
of co-operation, it is most remarkable. It was under the 
direct control and supervision of Dr. J. S. Robinson, Camp 
Educational Director of the Y. M. C. A., W. C. Blasingame, 
Associate Educational Director, and the Educational 
Secretaries, and with the aid of the War Community 
Camp Service which enlisted the volunteer teachers; the 
Motor Corps of the Women's League for Service, which 
has furnished transportation for the teachers; the Ala- 
bama Polytechnic Institute, in donating the services of 
W. C. Blasingame, Professor of Secondary Education ; the 
Woman's College of Alabama, in conducting an English 
School for an entire unit; and the Alabama Illiteracy 
Commission in supplying expert women teachers, in fur- 
nishing a war textbook, and in the creation of the at- 
mosphere making the success of the experiment possible. 
With the above should be included the teachers from 
Montgomery and other cities, who gladly gave their time 
to the work, and the many patriotic ladies and student 
teachers from nearby colleges, who volunteered their time 
and talents. 

The individual who has suspected that illiterate men 
can not or will not learn to read or write if given a chance 
will have every doubt removed by a visit to Camp Sheri- 
dan English School, which is still in progress. At the 
Information Bureau of the War Camp Community Serv- 
ice at 6:45 in the rhorning he can join a group of Mont- 
gomery women — the teachers — ready to be transported 
by the Women's Motor Corps Division to the various "Y" 
huts where the teaching is done. It is an inspiring sight 
— the soldiers of the development battalion with books 
and tablets in their hands, in regular formation, four 



25 

abreast and in a column some 150 yards long, and num- 
bering more than 500 men, as they march with all the 
eagerness of children into Hut 58. First comes roll call, 
after which the men separate into convenient groups 
within and without the building, while the new members 
of the classes pause for a moment to be graded and classi- 
fied by the secretary. So systematically is the grading 
done and so fluid is the plan that any student may be pro- 
moted from his group at any time he demonstrates his 
fitness to do the work of the next higher class. Appro- 
priate textbooks are provided, and only one lesson sepa- 
rates any class from the one above or below. The course 
of study is six weeks in length and graduation exercises 
are held every Friday. Before graduation, however, the 
soldier must be able to write a full page letter of good 
content and form, read ordinary print and script with 
reasonable rapidity, know something of the basic facts 
in American history, and solve problems involving the 
four fundamental processes in arithmetic. 

Below we give fac-simile reproduction of a letter writ- 
ten by a member of the graduating class : 



EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS WRITTEN BY THE MEN IN THE 
CAMP SHERIDAN ENGLISH SCHOOL 

Who could read them and doubt the practical wisdom of 
the undertaking and the ivorthwhilenessf 

"I am very sorry to say that I dident get any further 
than a praivate but that wasnot my fait. There was 
many thenses (chances) to advense but I culdnot get 
aney and the risen (reason) was bourse (because) I 
culdnot read or write. Everybody should be made lern to 
read and write." 

"A person who could not read and write is a dead man 
for the government, that why the government opened 
schools to bring all the men who could not read and write 
to life. A person who could not read and write will al- 
ways work hard for his living. School is the best thing 
for everybody." 




26 



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YouMG MEN'S CHRISTIAN Association Y^CA 

"^TTH THE COLORS" 



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^yuryyi^ Ji<rmii ^ .^^A^yyiyi^ X^^^y^y}cea^^ 
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28 

"I am glad I have been learn to read and write and also 
appreciate the opputunity of serving Unkle Sam in this 
great war for the worlds fridom. When I go home my 
parents will be proud of me." 

"Soon as I com home I goin' to eveneng school so I 
dont fegit what I lern here in the army." 

"Dear brother, when I come back home I will be differ- 
ent because I now in school Y. M. C. A. I never forget 
my teachers because they show me all good ways to be a 
good man, good soldier, good American citizen." 

Too much can not be said in praise of the Women's 
Motor Corps Division, the members of which not only 
transport the teachers to and from the camp, but like- 
wise gladly take the place of any teachers who may hap- 
pen to be absent from their classes. 

It was stated at the outset that this work is unique. 
Other camps have adopted the Sheridan plan, but for the 
most part the work of teaching is done by fellow soldiers 
and in no instance has there been such a splendid spirit of 
co-operation on the part of so many agencies as is true in 
the case of the local camp. 

The teachers are among the best and most cultured 
women in Alabama. It is the consensus of opinion that 
these classes with women teachers make far more satis- 
factory progress than those taught by fellow soldiers. 
Dr. Robinson gives two reasons for this ; first, there is 
increased efficiency because the teachers are more regu- 
lar in attendance, better trained professionally, more in- 
terested in the work and in the individual man, more sym- 
pathetic and patient; second, there is better influence on 
the character of the man. For most of the men in the 
English classes, contact with these lady teachers is their 
only opportunity in camp to meet women of the respect- 
able class without sentimentality or sordidness; women, 
who make them think of their mothers and sisters at 
home. Letters written by the men and frequent comment 
made by officers and men alike give abundant proof of the 
influence on the character and morale of the 1,600 men in 




"^-H ^J 



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31 

the English school. In this way there is brought into 
camp life the best there is in American institutions, — 
home, church, and school. 

The work that is being done for the removal of illiter- 
acy among the soldiers is paralleled by similar work in 
teaching English to foreigners. In an official report by 
Dr. Robinson, the following results are shown: 

Average number of classes 180 

Average daily attendance 1,350 

Number granted certificates 350 

It would not be fair to overlook in this simple story the 
fine service that the teachers of Montgomery and one or 
two nearby towns have played in making the Camp Sher- 
idan plan the great success that it has proved to be. 

Not only at Camp Sheridan but also at Camp Wheeler 
and Camp Pike have Alabama men been taught by Ala- 
bamians. Miss Esther Foster was sent by the Illiteracy 
Commission to Camp Wheeler. The extracts below indi- 
cate what she discovered: 

"It was gratifying to note the enthusiastic earnestness 
of the boys in their struggle for a little knowledge and 
their deep appreciation of what is being done for them. 

"According to the information given me, about ten per 
cent of the Alabama men at Camp Wheeler are illiterate. 
They are enrolled in classes meeting three nights a week, 
and I can not too highly recommend the sacrifice their vol- 
unteer teachers are making in giving their leisure hours 
to this work. That the atttitude of these unlettered men 
toward education has radically changed since they have 
been in the army is evidenced by the following statements 
made voluntarily by them: 

'I've seen enough to know that the man in the army 
without an education don't stand much chance for pro- 
motion ! 

'Ain't it a shame that a man like me, that can't even set 
sight on his rifle, must stand up and face the educated 
Germans ?' 

'Some one ought to tell the boys back home the value of 
an education before they come here. I didn't feel the 



32 

need of an education until I got in the army, but now I 
feel it every hour.' 

'If that compulsory law had been the law when I was a 
boy, I wouldn't have to be learning to read and write 
now." 

"From the teachers' letters I append a few extracts : 

'It is wonderful to see how the boys all "buckle" down 
to it heart and soul. We are more than pleased with the 
results obtained.' 

'A man from the mountains learned to write his name 
for the first time in his life and one week after this he 
signed a subscription for a Liberty Bond.' 

'You will be surprised to learn what I am doing at 
night. I am teaching a night school for Alabama boys 
who are illiterate. The teachers who have been drafted 
are still rendering service other than military.' " 

"AS OTHERS SEE US" 

That the work of the Alabama Illiteracy Commission 
and the State Council of Defense, has received endorse- 
ment from high authority, the appended letters from 
Newton D. Baker, Secretary of War and Secretary of the 
National Council of Defense; Arthur H. Fleming, Chief 
of Section N. C. of D. ; E. H. Crowder, Provost Marshal 
General; and General G. J. Hubbard, bear testimony. 

Gen. G. J. Hubbard, 
Adjutant General, 
State Capitol. 

Dear Sir : Permit me to recite briefly some facts which 
relate to the efficiency of the men entering the service 
and to ask your co-operation in securing such recognition 
and assistance from the war oflficials as will further pro- 
mote the work in question. 

1st. There are nine thousand and more men of army 
age in Alabama who cannot read and write. 

2d. The Alabama Illiteracy Commission, a legally 
constituted body in co-operation with the State Council of 
Defense is undertaking to have these men taught before 
they are actually called into service. County and district 



33 

organizations have been formed and in forty-two counties 
of the State successful class work among these illiterate 
draftmen is being conducted. In a few counties all illit- 
erate registrants are being taught. 

3rd. The whole State is alive as never before to its 
duty in giving these unfortunate fellows at least the sim- 
plest tools of an education. We feel that the only thing 
which hinders our success is the actual endorsement and 
assistance of the campaign we are undertaking by the 
proper war authorities. In behalf, therefore, of the State 
Council of Defense, and of the Alabama Illiteracy Com- 
mission, I am venturing to ask your active assistance in 
securing for this measure such recognition and support 
as is possible. 

In conclusion may I suggest that in my opinion the spe- 
cific type of work we are doing is of equal dignity and 
importance as that being carreid on by boards of instruc- 
tion now authorized and sanctioned by the war author- 
ities. 

Respectfully, 

Spright Dowell, 
Superintendent. 

STATE OF ALABAMA 

OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL 
MONTGOMERY 

1st Ind. 

Office Adjutant General of Alabama, Aug. 9, 1918. To 
the Provost Marshal General. 

1. Forwarded, requesting careful consideration of the 
foregoing letter written by the State Superintendent of 
Education. The State Superintendent of Education, The 
Alabama Illiteracy Commission, the State Council of De- 
fense, and the entire citizenship of the State generally, 
are deeply interested in the work that is being done in 
teaching these illiterate selectmen how to read and write 
before they are sent to mobilization camps. The move- 
ment is well organized and has been in operation many 
months. I have encouraged it, and my name has been 
freely used in aiding its purposes. Those of us who are 



34 

interested in the matter are of the opinion that the move- 
ment would be given more value and greater dignity by 
having the active co-operation of your office, and to this 
end I am writing to urge that an official expression be 
given by you which can be used in this State in assisting 
us. It is not considered that this particular line of work 
is covered by the provisions of Form 76 (Boards of In- 
struction), and it is earnestly desired that some similar 
recognition be given this illiteracy work. 

G. J. Hubbard, 
Rec. Aug. 12, 1918, P. M. G. O. 

2nd Ind. 

War Dept. P. M. G. 0., August 14, 1918,— To the Adju- 
tant General of Alabama, Montgomery, Alabama. 

1. The letter of the State Superintendent of Education 
has been perused with much interest. One of the most 
important features of the need which led this office to 
institute the boards of instruction within each Local 
Board area was the necessity of speeding the process of 
military training in camp by making the inducted men 
ready beforehand to understand the word of command to 
be received from their officer. Illiteracy, whether due to 
foreign birth or due to lack of home education is, of 
course, a fatal obstacle to a soldier's best understanding 
of his duties and his commands. One of the most direct 
ways of speeding up the preparation of the military 
forces of this country and making them ready to cross 
the seas with full capacity to do their duty is to eliminate 
illiteracy in the registrants before arriving at camp. 

The measures already taken in such good season by the 
State of Alabama through the Illiteracy Commission 
merit the highest encomium. Apart from the general 
civic values of such efforts to the community, we must 
now appreciate more keenly than ever the important mili- 
tary asset thereby created. 

I will ask you to convey to the State Council of Defense 
and to the Illiteracy Commission my expression of appre- 
ciation of the necessity and utility of these efforts. I 



35 

trust that all citizens and authorities will give unstinted 
support to their continuance. . 

E. H. Crowder^ 
Provost Marshal General. 

STATE OP ALABAMA 

- . OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL 
MONTGOMERY 

3rd Ind. 

Office Adjutant General of Alabama, August 17, 1918, — 
To .the Superintendent of Education, Montgomery, 
Ala. 

1. Returned, inviting attention to the second indorse- 
ment hereon, which bears the personal signature of the 
Provost Marshal General thereby showing his personal 
interest in the matter of this communication. 

2. I have this day bulletinized this matter for the in- 
formation and guidance of the Local Boards directing 
them to give their unstinted support to the work of the 
Illiteracy Commission. 

3. You are authorized to use this correspondence in 
such way as may be deemed most beneficial. 

G. J. Hubbard. 

State Council of Defense, 
State Capitol, 

Montgomery, Alabama. 
Gentlemen : My attention has been called to the work 
of the Alabama State Council in undertaking to obliterate 
illiteracy in Alabama. You may be sure that I regard 
such work, especially among those men who will be se^ 
lected for service with our armed forces, as exceedingly 
worth while and important. It is of direct military value 
and falls within the sphere of work in which State Coun- 
cils of Defense can render most valuable national service. 

Very truly yours, 
(Signed) Newton D. Baker^ 
Secretary of War and Chairman of the Council 

of National Defense. 



36 

COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 

WASHINGTON 

STATE COUNCILS SECTION 

State Council of Defense, 
State Capitol, 

Montgomery, Alabama. 
Gentlemen: Your letter of June 14th with regard to 
the special drive to be made by the State Council of De- 
fense to educate illiterate men in Alabama, has been re- 
ceived. 

I regard this as a very important piece of work being 
undertaken by the State Council of Defense and the State 
Illiteracy Commission. As far as I can judge from your 
report, the selection of a working and advisory personnel 
is most fortunate. The State Council will have an oppor- 
tunity to mobilize back of this genuine war work, the war 
enthusiasm of the people of Alabama. In taking this ac- 
tion, I am confident the State Council of Alabama is meet- 
ing with constructive effort a genuine war problem. 

Very truly yours, 
( Signed ) Arthur H. Fleming, 

Chief of Section. 



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